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La Crosse council approves stormwater utility rate increase to shore up permit compliance and capital needs
Summary
After a multi-hour discussion, the Common Council approved a two-step rate increase for the stormwater utility to address declining reserves, meet MS4 permit requirements enforced by the Wisconsin DNR and fund ongoing operations and capital work.
The La Crosse Common Council on Monday approved a multi-stage increase to the city’s stormwater utility rates to replenish depleted reserves, fully fund operations and help meet state and federal stormwater permit requirements.
The council adopted the rate package on a 9-4 vote after hearing a presentation from Tina Erickson, Finance and Compliance Manager for La Crosse Utilities, and a rate study prepared by Trilogy Consulting. Council Member Trost moved to adopt the recommendation; Council Member Mindell seconded.
Council members and staff said the utility’s existing rates—set years ago—do not cover the ongoing operation, maintenance and capital needs required by the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Erickson told the council the utility’s unrestricted cash had fallen to under $300,000 at the end of 2024 and that, at current rates, the utility is not financially sustainable.
Erickson said the Trilogy recommendation would be implemented in two phases: a quarterly charge per equivalent runoff unit (ERU) of $29.66 beginning July 1,…
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